Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?
04 / 20 / 20

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

To answer the question simply, stress and hair loss are often associated. In truth, it is common for your hair to change in thickness and texture over the course of your life. An increase in hair loss or a change in hair texture can be caused by a number of factors – from genetics to aging, illness to stress. If you hair loss is a result of stress and anxiety, there are steps you can take to help.

Hair Loss - What’s Normal?

Hair loss is normal. Throughout your life, your hair’s growth cycle experiences growth, shedding, and resting phases. Everyone loses between 50 and 150 hairs daily, as follicles shed hair normally. Because every hair follicle is independent, each has its own growth cycle, which means you don’t shed all your hair at once. When hair shedding and loss is increased, your normal hair growth cycle has been disrupted, which stress can do. But, don’t dismay, neither stress nor hair loss need be permanent. Getting your stress under control may mean your hair will grow back.

Stress and Hair Loss

Stress leading to hair loss is environmental, caused by physical or emotional stress, and is often associated with illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. As a result, if stress can be managed, hair loss is often brought under control. Most commonly, these are the types of hair loss most often related to high stress levels.

  • Telogen Effluvium is more common and less severe. It is the result of high stress levels which force numerous hair follicles into resting phase. After a few months, the hair falls out, and typically grows back in less than nine months.
  • Alopecia Areata is another stress associated type of hair loss. It occurs when the body’s immune response causes white blood cells to attach hair follicles. The hair on the scalp and even the body falls out in weeks and while hair sometimes grows back, treatment may be required.
  • Trichotillomania is also known as hair-pulling disorder. As an impulse control disorder, it is marked by the recurrent urge to pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, and other parts of the body. It is associated with stress, frustration, anxiety, and tension.

If you are experiencing thinning hair which seems unusual, and stress is the cause, finding some helpful ways to cope with your stress can help.

Relieving Stress

Stress happens to everyone at some point in their lives. And while it can’t be completely alleviated, you can minimize the stress in your life. Plus, by reducing some stress, you can better manage those stressors that simply can’t be avoided. Here are some helpful tips on reducing and relieving stress in your life.

Deep breathing practices are a great way to relieve stress quickly, naturally activating a relaxation response in the body. Mindfulness is another technique to help relieve stress. It involves being fully present in each moment, not overreacting, and it can reduce stress and anxiety.

Yoga and exercise are also great stress relievers as physical activity relieves mental stress. The regular practice of either yoga or exercises has been shown to lower stress hormones and release endorphins while enhancing the quality of sleep, all of which decrease stress and anxiety.

Finding effective practices to manage stress also works to help increase your resilience toward future stressors. Making them everyday practice can build in you a greater ability to face and manage stress as it comes into your life.

Experiencing Unusual Hair Loss?

When stress is causing hair loss, the first step is finding ways to control stress. Next, consider calling on New Image Hair Clinic to help restore your full, healthy head of hair. With years of experience in proven hair restoration techniques, New Image has the solution to fit your needs. Reach out today to schedule your FREE and confidential consultation.